ALAN PARDEW hopes the Toon Army do not lose focus on what is at stake against Norwich City tomorrow.

The Newcastle United manager was the first to call for Chris Hughton to be given a rousing reception.

After that, though, he wants the black and white faithful to help fire his side back into the Premier League’s top eight.

United are becoming draw specialists with three successive stalemates.

However, victory against the Canaries will round off what has been a positive week in terms of results.

Pardew told the Chronicle: “I think, in the first five minutes, they should pay respect to Chris, but then we are going to need them to get behind us.

“I do not want his name ringing round the stadium all game – I am sure Chris might, but I don’t.

“We will get it out of the way and then get on with the game.

“It is a big game for us – if we win it would put us in the top eight.”

United have had a long week with the trip to Everton quickly followed by the 0-0 draw in Madeira against Maritimo.

The Europa League has been a real sign of progress under Pardew and, while he is keen not to see the meeting with Norwich turn entirely into a Hughton tribute, he says it is the foundations laid by the ex-Republic of Ireland defender which the club are reaping the benefits of today.

When asked if he was entitled to a good reception, Pardew added: “So he should. On a professional level, he did a super job here.

“I inherited a team with good belief and winning spirit.

“The decision was to go forward with somebody else, which was myself. I was not party to that decision.

“Our fans will show good respect for Chris. They know he did a great job here. It is not easy getting out of the Championship.”

Yet Pardew feels United fans should also not forget the contributions of some of Hughton’s influential promotion team.

He said: “It has followed through. As well as Chris and his assistant Colin Calderwood, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Harps (Steve Harper), Smithy (Alan Smith) and big Andy Carroll.

“Trust me, that group of players got this club out of the Championship, and yo have to pay credit to those people.

“Also, to Mike Ashley – he left Chris with all the good players and did not sell anyone. Fair play to him as well.”